Leonard Lauder, Billionaire Heir to Cosmetics Empire, Dies at 92

Leonard Lauder, who built Estée Lauder Cos. into one of the world’s biggest cosmetics makers and catapulted himself into the top echelon of wealthiest New Yorkers, has died. He was 92.

Lauder died on June 14 surrounded by family, according to a statement by Estée Lauder.

In almost 40 years running the New York-based company founded by his parents, Lauder oversaw the launch or acquisition of such brands as Clinique, Aveda, MAC Cosmetics, Tom Ford Beauty, Bobbi Brown, Jo Malone London and La Mer. He took the company public in 1995, and its share price rose 33% on the ...